# Neural plasticity underlying memory formation for vocalizations sequentially learned during a sensitive period in development

> **NIH NIH R15** · WELLESLEY COLLEGE · 2020 · $449,872

## Abstract

There is a fundamental gap in understanding how lateralized neural activity, and anatomical- and
physiological neural plasticity affect language acquisition. The plasticity that is necessary to acquire a second
language (L2) later in childhood is even less well understood. Thus, it is challenging to identify the cause of
delays in L2 learning at the neural level. The acquisition of a songbird's song parallels human speech
learning at the behavioral as well as the neural level and thus provides unique opportunities to investigate the
neural mechanisms of learning and memory. The long-term goal is to determine the cellular and system-level
mechanisms through which birds acquire, store, and retrieve auditory memories. The objective of the
proposed renewal application is to determine the neural systems involved in vocal plasticity related to
imitating elements from a second song model (S2) later in development. The central hypothesis, formulated
on the basis of preliminary data, is that lateralized neural plasticity is necessary for successful acquisition of
multiple auditory memories. This hypothesis will be tested by pursuing two specific aims, which will: 1) Define
lateralization of brain activity in relation to vocal plasticity during sensorimotor learning; and 2) Determine the
impact of physiological plasticity on vocal learning. In the first aim, manipulations of the early auditory
environment will be combined with analysis of song learning and quantification of the Blood Oxygenation
Level Dependent (BOLD) response. Strong preliminary data provide evidence that zebra finches can learn
elements from different vocal models at two time points in development, and pilot fMRI studies indicate
feasibility to perform the proposed studies in the applicant's laboratory. In the second aim, classification of
inhibitory cell types with immunohistochemistry will be used at critical moments in development; song
learning from two different vocal models will be quantified and the inhibitory cell types that are contributing to
vocal plasticity will be determined. Each of these methods, including the use of commercially available
antibodies and freely available song and image analysis software, has previously been established in
songbirds, which, in combination with data from pilot studies, provides evidence for the feasibility of the
proposed studies in the PI's lab. The approach is innovative, as by combining longitudinal functional imaging
and triple labeling methods, it is overcoming inherent limitations to studying the fundamental processes
underlying neural plasticity for L2 learning in humans by using an established animal model. The proposed
research is significant, because by using approaches not available in humans, we will gain a mechanistic
understanding of the plasticity that underlies formation of multiple auditory memories in vocal learners. This
will provide an understanding of adaptive sensorimotor integration contributing to vocal behavior throu...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10046327
- **Project number:** 2R15HD085143-02
- **Recipient organization:** WELLESLEY COLLEGE
- **Principal Investigator:** Sharon Gobes
- **Activity code:** R15 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $449,872
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2016-03-01 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10046327

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10046327, Neural plasticity underlying memory formation for vocalizations sequentially learned during a sensitive period in development (2R15HD085143-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10046327. Licensed CC0.

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